Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
  • H04L51/07—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail characterised by the inclusion of specific contents
  • H04L51/10—Multimedia information
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
  • H04L65/75—Media network packet handling
  • H04L65/752—Media network packet handling adapting media to network capabilities
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
  • H04L51/21—Monitoring or handling of messages
  • H04L51/23—Reliability checks, e.g. acknowledgments or fault reporting
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
  • E04H3/00—Buildings or groups of buildings for public or similar purposes; Institutions, e.g. infirmaries or prisons
  • E04H3/10—Buildings or groups of buildings for public or similar purposes; Institutions, e.g. infirmaries or prisons for meetings, entertainments, or sports
  • E04H3/12—Tribunes, grandstands or terraces for spectators
  • E04H3/126—Foldable, retractable or tiltable tribunes
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F15/00—Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general
  • G06F15/16—Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
  • H04L12/02—Details
  • H04L12/16—Arrangements for providing special services to substations
  • H04L12/18—Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
  • H04L12/1813—Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms
  • H04L12/1831—Tracking arrangements for later retrieval, e.g. recording contents, participants activities or behavior, network status
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
  • H04L51/04—Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
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  • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
  • H04L51/06—Message adaptation to terminal or network requirements
  • H04L51/066—Format adaptation, e.g. format conversion or compression
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
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  • H04L51/21—Monitoring or handling of messages
  • H04L51/216—Handling conversation history, e.g. grouping of messages in sessions or threads
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
  • H04L51/21—Monitoring or handling of messages
  • H04L51/226—Delivery according to priorities
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
  • H04L51/42—Mailbox-related aspects, e.g. synchronisation of mailboxes
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
  • H04L61/09—Mapping addresses
  • H04L61/25—Mapping addresses of the same type
  • H04L61/2503—Translation of Internet protocol [IP] addresses
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
  • H04L65/1066—Session management
  • H04L65/1083—In-session procedures
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04L65/40—Support for services or applications
  • H04L65/401—Support for services or applications wherein the services involve a main real-time session and one or more additional parallel real-time or time sensitive sessions, e.g. white board sharing or spawning of a subconference
  • H04L65/4015—Support for services or applications wherein the services involve a main real-time session and one or more additional parallel real-time or time sensitive sessions, e.g. white board sharing or spawning of a subconference where at least one of the additional parallel sessions is real time or time sensitive, e.g. white board sharing, collaboration or spawning of a subconference
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
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  • H04L65/403—Arrangements for multi-party communication, e.g. for conferences
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
  • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
  • H04L65/61—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
  • H04L65/613—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for the control of the source by the destination
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
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  • H04L65/75—Media network packet handling
  • H04L65/762—Media network packet handling at the source 
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
  • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
  • H04L65/75—Media network packet handling
  • H04L65/764—Media network packet handling at the destination 
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
  • H04L65/80—Responding to QoS
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
  • H04L67/50—Network services
  • H04L67/54—Presence management, e.g. monitoring or registration for receipt of user log-on information, or the connection status of the users
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L9/00—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
  • H04L9/40—Network security protocols
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
  • H04M1/64—Automatic arrangements for answering calls; Automatic arrangements for recording messages for absent subscribers; Arrangements for recording conversations
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
  • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
• • H—ELECTRICITY
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  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
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  • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
  • H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
  • H04M3/53—Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
  • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
  • H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
  • H04M3/53—Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems
  • H04M3/5307—Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems for recording messages comprising any combination of audio and non-audio components
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N7/00—Television systems
  • H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
  • H04N7/141—Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
  • H04N7/147—Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N7/00—Television systems
  • H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
  • H04N7/15—Conference systems
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W4/12—Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements

Definitions

• This invention pertains to telecommunications, and more particularly, to a telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus that enables users to review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time-shifted mode and to transition the conversation back and forth between the two modes, participate in multiple conversations and to archive the messages of conversations for later review or processing.
• the caller is required to wait for the phone on the other end to stop ringing, transition into the voice mail system, listen to a voice message greeting, and then leave the message.
• Current voice mail systems are also inconvenient for the recipient. The recipient has to dial a code to access their voice mail, navigate through a series of prompts, listen to any earlier received voice messages in the queue, and then finally listen to the message of the sender.
• TCP Transmission Control Protocol
• UDP User Datagram Protocol
• VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol
• TCP does guarantee the delivery of perfect (i.e., an exact copy of the transmitted data) data, but at the expense of latency. All packets are delivered, regardless of how long it takes. This delay makes TCP impractical for use with "live" phone calls.
• the present invention is directed to an improved media communication device for communicating over a communication network.
• the communication device includes an encoder, a time-shifting buffer and a transmitter to progressively encode, store in a time-based format, and transmit over the network locally created media created using the communication device.
• the communication device also includes a receiver and a rendering element to receive and progressively render media received over the network from a remote source.
• the received media is also stored in the time- based format in the time-shifting buffer.
• the received media may be rendered in a near real-time mode and the received and locally created media may be rendered in a time-shifted mode.
• the locally created and received media may be streaming media.
• the media may be segmented into messages that are transmitted to and from the communication device over the network.
• Figure 1 is a diagram of the architecture of the communication and media management system of the invention.
• Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a block diagram of a Client running on a Device in the communication and management system of the invention.
• Figure 3 is a block diagram of a Server used in the communication and media management system of the invention.
• Figures 4A through 4D illustrate various embodiments of data payloads used in the communication and management system of the invention.
• Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating data being transmitted over a shared IP network in accordance with the invention.
• Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating data being transmitted over a circuit based network in accordance with the invention.
• Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating data being transmitted across both a cellular network and the Internet in accordance with the invention.
• Figures 8A through 8F are a series of flow diagrams illustrating a store and stream function of the communication and management system of the invention.
• Figures 9A through 9C are flow diagrams illustrating the operation of a Payload Quality Manager (PQM) and Figures 9D through 9F are flow diagrams illustrating the Data Quality manager (DQM), both used by the Clients and Servers of the invention.
• PQM Payload Quality Manager
• DQM Data Quality manager
• Figure 10 is an exemplary device having a graphical user interface that may be used with the system of the invention.
• Figures HA through HF are diagrams illustrating multiple conversation management (MCMS) features of the invention.
• Figures 12A through 12C are diagrams illustrating the multiple conversation management system - consecutive (MCMS-C) features of the invention.
• Figures 13A through 13D illustrate a series of diagrams detailing the operation of the invention.
• Figures 14A and 14B are block diagrams that illustrate the hardware used for running the Client and Server applications of the invention.
• the communication media management method and system supports new modes of engaging in voice conversations and/or managing multiple simultaneous conversations using a variety of media types, such as voice, video, text, location, sensor information, and other data.
• Users can engage in conversations by sending voice messages to designated recipients.
• the recipient(s) might participate in the conversation in real time, or they might simply be notified that the message is ready for retrieval. In the latter case, the recipient participates in the conversation in a time-shifted mode by reviewing and replying to the recorded message at their convenience.
• the conversation consists of a series of discrete recorded messages, which are recorded in a number of locations, which may include the encoding device of the sender, (e.g. a phone or computer), servers on multiple transmission hops across the network, and the receiver's rendering device.
• the system provides the following features and advantages: (i) the conversation can transition between live and time-shifted or vice versa; (ii) the discrete messages of the conversation are semantically threaded together and archived; (iii) since the messages are recorded and are available for later retrieval, attention can be temporarily diverted from the conversation and then the conversation can be later reviewed when convenient; (iv) the conversation can be paused for seconds, minutes, hours, or even days, and can be picked up again where left off; (v) one can rejoin a conversation in progress and rapidly review missed messages and catch up to the current message (i.e., the live message); (vi) no dedicated circuit is needed for the conversation to take place, as required with conventional phone calls; and (vii) lastly, to initiate a conversation, one can simply begin transmitting to an individual or a group.
• the communication media management system also supports new modes of optimizing the transmission of data over a network.
• the system actively manages the delivery of payloads to a recipient engaged in a conversation in real time when network conditions are less than ideal. For example when network conditions are poor, the system intentionally reduces the quality of the data for transmission to the point where it is "good enough" to be rendered upon receipt by the recipient, allowing the real time participation of the conversation.
• the system also guarantees the eventual delivery of an "exact" copy of the messages over time.
• the system and method therefore provides the advantages of both speed and accuracy.
• the utilization of network bandwidth is optimized by making tradeoffs between timeliness and media quality, using the presence and intentions of whether or not recipient(s) intend to review to the message immediately in real time, as well as measures of network latency, network degradation, packet loss or damage, and/or current bandwidth conditions.
• the messages of conversations may contain voice only or voice, video and other data, such as sensor information. When the messages are reviewed, they are listened to or visually reviewed, or a combination thereof, depending on the type of media contained in the messages.
• most conversations are voice only, it is intended that the communication system and method described herein broadly includes conversations including multiple media types, such as voice and video for example.
• An improved voice and other media communication and management system and method which provides one or more of the following features and functions: i. enabling users to participate in multiple conversation types, including live phone calls, conference calls, voice messaging, consecutive or simultaneous communications ; ii. enabling users to review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time- shifted mode (voice messaging); iii. enabling users to seamlessly transition a conversation between a synchronous
• “live” mode and a time shifted mode iv. enabling users to participate in conversations without waiting for a connection to be established with another participant or the network. This attribute allows users to begin conversations, participate in conversations, and review previously received time-shifted messages of conversations even when there is no network available, when the network is of poor quality, or other participants are unavailable; v. enabling the system to save media payload data at the sender and, after network transmission, saving the media payload data at all receivers; vi. enabling the system to organize messages by threading them sequentially into semantically meaningful conversations in which each message can be identified and tied to a given participant in a given conversation; vii.
• enabling users to manage each conversation with a set of user controlled functions such as reviewing "live”, pausing or time shifting the conversation until it is convenient to review, replaying in a variety of modes (e.g., playing faster, catching up to live, jump to the head of the conversation) and methods for managing conversations (archiving, tagging, searching, and retrieving from archives); viii. enabling the system to manage and share presence data with all conversation participants, including online status, intentions with respect to reviewing any given message in either the live or time- shifted mode, current attention to messages, rendering methods, and network conditions between the sender and receiver; ix.
• Client is the user application in the communication system, which includes a user interface, persistent data storage, and "Voxing" functionality. Users interact with the Client application, and the Client application manages all communications (messages and signals) and payload (Media) transfers that are transmitted or received over a network.
• the Client supports encoding of media (e.g., the capturing of voice, video, or other data content) and the rendering of media and supports security, encryption and authentication as well as the optimization of the transmission of data across the network.
• a Client may be used by one or multiple
• Device A physical device that runs the Client application.
• a User may be actively logged into a single Device or multiple Devices at any given point of time.
• a Device may be a general-purpose computer, a portable computing device, a programmable phone, a programmable radio, or any other programmable communication device.
• Servers A computer node on the communication network. Servers are responsible for routing Messages sent back and forth between Users over the network and the persistent storage and archiving of Media payloads. Servers provide routing, transcoding, security, encryption and authentication and the optimization of the transmission of data across the network. B.2. Media
• Message An individual unit of communication from one User to another. Each Message consists of some sort of Media, such as voice or video. Each Message is assigned certain attributes, including: (i) the User sending the message; (ii) the Conversation it belongs to; (iii) an optional or user created Importance Tag; (iv) a time stamp; and (v) the Media payload.
• Conversation A thread of Messages (identified, persistently stored, grouped, and prioritized) between two or more Users on their Devices. Users generally participate in a Conversation using their Devices by either Reviewing Messages in real time or in a time-shifted mode, or creating and sending Messages of a Conversation as desired. When new Messages are created, they either define a new Conversation, or they are added to an existing Conversation.
• Head of a Conversation The most recent Message of a conversation that has been encoded by the most recent speaker.
• Multiple Conversation Management System An application that runs as part of a Client application, which enables a User to engage in multiple Conversations using a variety of Media types.
• MCMS Multiple Conversation Management System
• a User selects one Conversation among the multiple Conversations as current, where only the Messages of current conversation are rendered.
• the User may transition from a series of back and forth Messages in time-shifted mode to near-synchronous "live" mode, similar to a standard telephone conversation, and back again.
• the Messages of the non-selected Conversations are in a paused state. Messages associated with the non-selected Conversion will accumulate if others are still participating in those Conversations.
• the User may selectively transition the current Conversation among the multiple Conversations and Review the accumulated Messages of the selected current Conversation.
• MCMS-C Multiple Conversation Management System- Consecutive or MCMS-C: Similar to MCMS, with the added feature of rendering and enabling Users to manage and participate in multiple Conversations consecutively through a hierarchical system of Priorities and time- shifting, which are automatically managed by the system.
• the MCMS-C application allows the Messages of consecutive Conversations to be rendered in a prioritized order, as opposed to MCMS where only the Messages of the currently selected Conversation are rendered.
• MCMS-C is particularly applicable in situations where it is important that the Messages of the consecutive Conversations are rendered, in the prioritized order, and/or the receipt of all Messages, even those belonging to lower priority Conversations, is more important than receiving the Messages in real-time. Examples of situations where MCMS-C may be suitable include, but are not limited to, hospitals, taxi fleet management, or tactical communications.
• MCMS-S Similar to MCMS, with the added feature of enabling With MCMS-S, multiple Conversations are selected for simultaneous rendering, as opposed to MCMS where the Messages of only the selected current Conversation are rendered.
• the MCMS-S application is particularly applicable in situations where a User is listening to multiple Conversations at the same time, such as a trader listening to multiple brokers on different exchanges and periodically sending trading requests to one or multiple of them simultaneously.
• MCMS-S may also be suitable for tactical communications as well.
• Priority The mechanism through which the system determines which Message to render next when a User is participating in MCMS-C. Priority is automatically managed by the system.
• a User can set default Priorities, or a predetermined set of system Priorities may be used.
• the system resolves the conflict at least partly based on Priority, to determine what Message to render immediately and what Message to time shift.
• Tags a set of attributes a User or the system may assign to a Conversation or a message, such as a topic (a company name), a directive ("action items"), a indicator (“conversation summary”), or any other label by which one might want to search or organize the data.
• Importance Tags A special Message attribute that enables a sender to specify when a Message is to be rendered, regardless of other Priority settings. An "urgent" Importance tag will override other Priorities for example. This feature is critical for tactical systems, though any system can be configured to use or disable this feature.
• Packet Any unit of binary data capable of being routed through a computer network. Each packet consists of header (meta data) and payload (media data). Includes standard packet protocols such as, but not limited to, Internet Protocol (IP),
• IP Internet Protocol
• EvDO EvDO
• UMTS any other packet-based network, either radio, fiber optic, or wired.
• Header or Packet Header The portion of a packet that describes the packet; the meta data concerning the payload, its encoding type and destination.
• Vox packet A proprietary packet that enables the system and method to further refine and optimize the delivery of Messages, Media and other signaling information.
• Media Payload (or Payload): The actual Media portion of a Packet. B.3. Media Management
• Time Shift Delay The amount of time between the arrival of a Vox Packet and the rendering of the Packet on a Device. The TSD must exceed the
• the TSD is typically determined by the User's behavior in choosing to review the Messages of a Conversation some time after receipt.
• MTSD Minimum Time Shift Delay
• Client to allow for jitter processing using jitter buffer techniques. This causes the system to delay rendering until an adequate number of the packets have arrived to create a usable media stream.
• the system will typically adaptively adjust the MTSD over time to compensate for variable conditions in the network.
• Rendering Delivering a Media stream to a User in a form suitable for User consumption (e.g., voice, text, graphic display, video, or a combination thereof).
• Mixing The Rendering of one or more Media streams. For example, the
• Media stream from two Participants of a Conversation may be Mixed when Rendered, creating a User experience similar to a conversation where multiple people are speaking at the same time.
• Encoding The process of translating Media either created by a User (such as voice or video) or otherwise originating on a Device (such as GPS or other sensor data), and converting the media into digital data to be processed by a Client.
• a User such as voice or video
• a Device such as GPS or other sensor data
• Adaptive Jitter Buffer Jitter buffers or de-jitter buffers are used to counter jitter (i.e., either the arrival of out of sequence packets or the delayed arrival of packets) introduced by packet switched networks, so that the continuous rendering of audio (or video) signals transmitted over a network can be performed without disruption.
• the data is stored in a buffer before Rendering to allow a reasonably sized buffer of Media to arrive.
• the Media may be rendered before all the Packets are received, trading off quality for currency.
• An Adaptive Jitter Buffer is capable of dynamically changing its size to optimize the delay/quality tradeoff.
• PIMB Persistent Infinite Message Buffer
• the PIMB is a storage management system for the storage of time-based Media that performs both the de- jittering of "live" data and the storage and retrieval of archive data.
• the PIMB further includes the additional attributes of potentially infinite and persistence storage of Media.
• the PIMB maintains "exact” or full copies of Vox Packets of a Message and Conversations at some or all Participant Devices and/or Servers.
• PLC Packet Loss Compensation or Concealment
• Missing Packets may be rendered as silence, or information from adjacent Packets may be used to present an interpolated sound or image.
• the particular method to be used will be dependent on the media, Codecs in use, and other generally known parameters.
• Contact A record of either a User or non-user of the system. Users typically engage in Conversations with members on their list of Contacts. A non-user is a user that accesses or uses the system using a legacy phone, radio or other non-Client 12 enabled device.
• Group The association of multiple Contacts. Contacts may be selectively added or deleted from a Group. When a Conversation takes place among a Group, all the members of the Group may or may not participate.
• Channel Typically used for tactical communication systems. A Channel is similar to a Group in that it associates multiple Contacts with the Channel.
• Participant A person who is identified as a member of a Conversation. could be a User or a non-User participant. B.5. Conversation Management
• Time Shifting is the ability to play any Message at any time after it has been received as determined by the User-recipient.
• a User may Review a Message: (i) immediately on demand by Rendering immediately after the MTSD; or (ii) time-shifted in a mode of reviewing the Message upon the discretion of the User; (iii) from the archive for searching, reconstructions, etc. of old Conversations; (iv) after a delayed period of time to accommodate the Reviewing of other higher Priority Messages (or Conversations) that need to reviewed first; (v) and/or repeatedly if necessary for the Message to be reheard and understood.
• Time Shifting is the ability of a user to render a Message at any time after the system imposed MTSD.
• [0073] Reviewing Listening, viewing, reading or otherwise observing the Media content in Messages. Reviewing may take place in either a near synchronous real-time "live mode" or the time- shifted mode.
• Intention Either (i) a User-defined attribute capturing whether the User wants to Review the Messages of a Conversation either as soon as possible or Review the Messages in a time-shifted mode; (ii) implied by a User's behavior; or a combination of (i) and (ii). .
• Attention A user attribute capturing whether the User is Reviewing the Messages of a given Conversation at the moment.
• CTL Catch Up To Live
• the CTL feature may use any of a number of catch up techniques, such as the faster replay of Messages, the removal of gaps in the Media of the Messages, removal of hesitation particles, etc.
• the system seamlessly flows into the live Conversation. This is a very useful feature with conference calls, for example, in situations where a User needs to temporarily shift their attention away from the Conversation, but wishes to hear the entire Conversation upon their return.
• Catch Up Mode A user-configured or pre-configured mode that determines how the CTL process will catch-up (i.e., replay faster, remove silence, and hesitation particles, or a combination thereof).
• Jump To Live This feature allows a user to jump from their current position to the Head of a Conversation. A user will typically use the JTL feature when they do not want to Review all of the Messages between their current position in the Conversation and the Head. When the JTL feature is implemented, the user skips over any intervening Messages and starts Rendering the "live" Messages at the head of the Conversation.
• MCMS Participant Attributes A set of attributes, either defined by a User, interpreted by the system from the User's behaviors, assigned by an administrator, or a combination thereof, which define the Intention, Attention, Priority, and rendering preferences of a receiver for a given Conversation.
• the attributes include, but are not limited to: (i) the Intention of when a receiver would like to render to the Messages of the Conversation.
• Possible Intention values include: “now”, “time- shifted”, “Catch Up To Live” (CTL), “paused”, and “never”; (ii) Catch Up Mode, which is a configuration setting which determines how the CTL process should catch the receiver up to live (e.g., play faster, skip silence gaps or hesitations, or play at normal speed); (iii) Time Shift Delay (TSD), which defines how far the receiver's current position in the conversation is from the Head of the Conversation, and (iv) the Priority of the Message with regard to the receiver's other Conversations.
• CTL Catch Up To Live
• TDD Time Shift Delay
• the system 10 includes a plurality of Clients H 1 through 12 n , running on Devices O 1 through 13 n respectively.
• the Devices 13 communicate with one another over a communication services network 14, including one or more Servers 16.
• One or more networks 18i through 18 n is provided to couple the plurality of Devices O 1 through 13 n to the communication services network 14.
• the networks 18 may be the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cellular network based on CDMA or GSM for example, the Internet, a tactical radio network, or any other communication network, or a combination thereof.
• PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
• GSM Global System for Mobile communications
• the communication services network 14 is a network layer on top of or otherwise in communication with the various networks 18i through 18 n .
• the network layer 14 is either heterogeneous or homogeneous.
• Clients H 1 through 12 n communicate with one another and with Servers 16 over the networks 18i through 18 n and network 14 using individual message units referred to as "Vox packets", which are described in detail below.
• the Client 12 includes Multiple Conversation Management System (MCMS) application 20, a rendering and encoding module 21, and an MCMS applications database 22.
• the Client 12 further includes a Store and Stream (SAS) module 24 with a Persistent Infinite Message Buffer (PIMB) reader 26, a PIMB writer 28, PIMB database 30, a data and network quality (DNQS) store 32, and Media driver and encoder hardware 34.
• SAS Store and Stream
• PIMB Persistent Infinite Message Buffer
• DNS data and network quality
• the MCMS application 20 and the Store and Stream module 24 communicate with one another through message handling modules 25a and 25b respectively.
• the Client 12 further includes an authentication-encryption-security module 40 and a communication protocol module 44.
• the module 40 provides authentication, encryption and security services during the transmission and receipt of "Vox" packets to and from the Client 12.
• the communication protocol module 44 encapsulates Vox packets into the native packets used by the underlying network 18 connected to the Device 13 running the Client 12 when transmitting data and de-encapsulating Vox packets from the native packets when receiving data.
• multi-party end-to-end authentication, encryption and security is provided between Clients 12. Messages are authenticated, encrypted and secured across the networks 18i through 18 n and network 14, from a first sending Device 13 to second receiving Device 13. D.1.1.
• the MCMS Database 22 stores and manages the persistent meta data for a number of entities in the system 10, including Contacts and Participants, Conversations and Messages (live and stored), and default Priorities, and information regarding the Servers 16.
• the MCMS database 22 stores the moment-to-moment operational data of a User's Conversations, presence, and status, as well as that of all the Participants conversing with the User or on the User's Contact list.
• the database 22 keeps track of status information, such as what Messages of a Conversation a User has or has not Reviewed, Priorities, and Catch Up To Live status for each Conversation in which the Client 12 is a Participant, the presence and status of all Participants, and other network and other system management data.
• MCMS application 20 supports the different Voxing modes of engaging in conversations and/or managing multiple conversations using a variety of media and data types (voice, video, text, location, data, etc.). Users engage in Conversations by sending Messages to designated recipients using their Client 12 enabled Devices 13. Depending on preferences and Priorities, the recipient might Review the Message in real time, or they might simply be notified that the Message is ready for Reviewing. Users can transition from a series of back and forth Messages, which are Reviewed in a time-shifted (or voice messaging) mode or in a near synchronous, full duplex conversation (similar to standard "live” phone calls) and then back to voice messaging again.
• media and data types voice, video, text, location, data, etc.
• the MCMS application 20 allows a User to control their interactions with their most important Conversations in real-time without missing any Messages in other ongoing Conversations. For example, the MCMS application 20 notifies a User of urgent or high priority communications from a Conversation that they are not currently Reviewing. MCMS application 20 also enables all Messages from all Conversations to be stored for later retrieval so they can be reviewed at any time. [0085] In accordance with various embodiments, there are several different operational modes of the MCMS application 20, including MCMS-Consecutive (MCMS-C) and MCMS-Simultaneous (MCMS-S), which support the consecutive and simultaneous rendering of Messages respectively. Each of these embodiments is described in more detail below. Unless specifically specified, the term "MCMS" is intended to generally mean the MCMS application 20, which includes the aforementioned different modes.
• the MCMS application 20 is a multi-tiered architecture that includes a number of modules and services.
• the modules and services include the MCMS Database Module 20a, the SAS Services Module 20b, the Messaging and Signaling Services Module 20c, the User Interface Application Programming Interface (API) 2Od, the User Interface Module 2Oe, the Conversations/Messages Management Services 2Of, the Priorities Services 2Og, the Contacts Service 2Oh, the Presence/Status Services 2Oi, and the Messages/Signals Services 2Oj. D.l.2.1
• the MCMS Database Module 20a the SAS Services Module 20b, the Messaging and Signaling Services Module 20c, the User Interface Application Programming Interface (API) 2Od, the User Interface Module 2Oe, the Conversations/Messages Management Services 2Of, the Priorities Services 2Og, the Contacts Service 2Oh, the Presence/Status Services 2Oi, and the Messages/Signals Services 2Oj. D.l.2.1
• the MCMS database module 20a is a service module that manages all function calls necessary for the MCMS application 20 to access the MCMS database 22.
• the SAS Services module 20b includes a set of function calls that enable communication and coordination between the MCMS application 20 and the Store and Stream module 24, and which are passed back and forth through the message handling modules 25a and 25b respectively.
• the set of function calls enable both the MCMS application 20 and the Store and Stream module 24 to operate as necessary to implement the various Voxing functions when invoked by Users and/or as dictated by network conditions.
• Some of the functionality performed by the SAS Services module 20b includes maintaining and communicating the status of Message transmissions and Message acknowledgments, the instructions for rendering of Messages, and the status and presence of Users.
• D.l.2.3 The Messaging and Signaling Services Module
• the Messaging and Signaling Services module 20c runs on both Clients 12 and Servers 16 and enables communication between the Client 12 and the Servers 16 of the system 10. This communication, which includes messages, data and other signals, allows the Client 12 and the system 10 to track and administer communications, network status, Users, and User status.
• Types of messages and signals sent between the Message and Signaling Services modules 20c running on the Clients 12 and the Servers 16 include, for example, network availability of Users, tracking of Messages that the Server 16 has sent to the Client 12 (possibly including a "high water mark") to determine if an entire message or some portion of a message is missing, (e.g., a sequence number per Participant per Conversation created by the "generating" Client), whether a user is speaking or Reviewing Messages of a given Conversation, where a User is with respect to the Head of a Conversation, or when a Participant is no longer Reviewing a Conversation live.
• the User Interface API 2Od is a module that defines a set of function calls that define the programming interface between the User Interface module 2Oe and the underlying services of the MCMS application 20.
• the User Interface API 2Od supports general-purpose methods such as UI application support, and all function calls necessary for a User Interface to operate the MCMS Application 20.
• the User Interface API 2Od enables the Client 12 to support a wide variety of user interfaces and device types, such as Adobe Flash-based and/or Microsoft Windows applications, cellular or mobile phone devices, PSTN devices driven with tones, a voice user interface (VUI), and physical radio communication interfaces.
• the User Interface API module 2Od enables the design of both highly flexible and highly constrained user interfaces to support the functionality of the MCMS application 20.
• the MCMS User Interface module 2Oe supports the operation and functions of the audio and video user interface of the Client 12.
• the User Interface module 2Oe supports a host of user interactions and can be implemented with various interaction mediums, such as, an array of graphical user interface screens, an Audio/DTMF interface, or voice user interface on the Device 13, all of which enable a User to interface with the system 10.
• a partial list of User interactions that are supported include, for example, functions to: log-in; manage, join, and monitor Conversations; control Conversation rendering; manage Priorities; and requests to review archived Conversations. It should be noted that this list is exemplary and in no way should be construed as limiting the invention.
• the Conversation/Message management services 2Of is a module which defines a set of functions that manage the data structures and processes responsible for managing and retaining all information needed for the User to manage the receipt and Review of transmitted and received Media (e.g., voice or video content Messages) between the participants of a Conversation.
• the Messages are organized into Conversations.
• Media that is sent or received by the Device 13 running the application 12 is available for immediate Review while being received.
• the received Media is also recorded for Review in a time- shifted mode, Conversation management, and archival purposes.
• Messages or Conversations can be optionally marked for transience, specifying their desired retention requirements (e.g., some Messages will not be retained or stored beyond the requirements for immediate rendering).
• Media can be optionally marked for review in a time-shifted mode only and cannot be reviewed immediately upon receipt.
• the Conversation/Message management services 2Of further enables, for each current or ongoing Conversation of the User, the sending of Media to a receiving Client 12 at any time, and the receiving Client 12 seamlessly associates these Messages with the appropriate Conversation, regardless of the actions or inaction of the receiver.
• Conversations are essentially asynchronous. If two Users are actively engaged in a given Conversation and the User controlled delay between transmissions is minimal, the experience will be one of a synchronous full duplex conversation, as with current telephone or VoIP conversations. If either User delays their participation, for whatever reason, the Conversation drifts towards an asynchronous voice (or other Media) messaging experience.
• Conversations can be optionally Tagged as asynchronous Messages only or synchronous Messages only. In either of these cases, the Conversation cannot drift between the two modes, unless the Tag is reset. After the Tag is reset, the Conversation again may flow between near synchronous (i.e. live or real-time) and asynchronous (i.e., time-shifted or voice messaging) modes.
• the Conversation/Message management service 2Of processes the transmission and receipt of Messages in a progressive fashion.
• Media may be created while Messages are simultaneously encoded, stored and transmitted.
• the transmission of Messages may occur simultaneously with the generation of Media by the User (i.e., while speaking into their Device 13 or generating video).
• the receipt, storage, and Rendering of Messages also all occur progressively. Messages do not need to be completely received before they can be Rendered.
• the Rendering of Messages may occur at the same time Messages are being delivered, right up to the MTSD.
• the service 2Of is also capable of the simultaneous transmission of outgoing Messages and Rendering of incoming Messages.
• the progressive nature of the service 2Of allows a User to be engaged in a live Conversation while storing and streaming the media of the Conversation for later retrieval and review as well other functions described herein.
• the time-shifting of Messages by the Conversation/Message management services 2Of allows a User to "Catch Up To Live" on a Conversation if they missed earlier Messages or were involved in another Conversation.
• This time-shifting process eliminates the need for Users to broadcast a request to their entire Group or Channel to have Messages repeated. Older Messages may be replayed at any time at potentially higher speeds to save time. Users may easily skip forward and backward through their Messages and within individual Messages.
• the Reviewing process may be configured on a Message-Priority basis to potentially skip lower priority Messages.
• the Conversation/Message management service 2Of also identifies Messages by a specific Participant (speaker) and, by default, mixes Messages of a Conversation that were delivered at the same time (MCMS-S).
• a User could Review the transmissions of different Participant speakers of a Conversation separately.
• the Conversation/Message management module 2Of further allows Conversation sharing among Participants, who can be added to an active or archived Conversation.
• an added Participant to a Conversation is provided access to the Conversation and has the ability to retrieve the previous Messages of the Conversation for Review.
• the added Participant is provided access to the Messages of the Conversation only from the point where the new Participant joined, and not any previous Messages of the Conversation.
• the Conversation/Message management module 2Of is also responsible for managing the functions used to control all rendering tasks performed by the Store and Stream module 24. These tasks include rendering Media (i.e., voice, video, etc.) appropriately for the Device 13 running application 12.
• rendering tasks include, but are not limited to, the rendering of Mixed Messages (i.e., overlapping messages), as well as rendering according to user-defined criteria, such as playing faster, catching up to live, removing silence, removing hesitation particles, frequency shifting, and the ability to apply independent gain control to individual senders in a multi-party conversation.
• the Priority service 2Og is a module that defines a set of functions that manage the data structures and processes responsible for managing and retaining all information needed for a User to manage the Priority of the consecutive Conversations (i.e., MCMS-C) in which the User is engaged.
• MCMS-C Priority of the consecutive Conversations
• the User is required to prioritize the Conversations. Issues arise when Messages of different Conversations are ready to be rendered at the same time.
• An algorithm is used to determine the order in which the Messages are rendered that considers the availability of Messages to be rendered and the Priorities set by the User.
• the algorithm determines that the available Messages with the highest priority are rendered first while any concurrently available Messages are time shifted automatically just enough to allow for the rendering of the higher priority Message. As rendering time becomes available, the system will automatically render the time- shifted messages according to the User's Priorities. D.l.2.8 Contacts Services
• the Contacts services 2Oh is a module that defines a set of functions that manage the data structures and processes responsible for managing and retaining all information needed for authenticating and associating one or more Contacts with Conversations.
• the Contacts services 2Oh When sending a Message as part of a Conversation that is associated with a number of Contacts, all of the Contacts receive the Message.
• the Presence/Status services 2Oi is a module that defines a set of functions that maintain the data structures and processes responsible for managing and sharing presence and status information between certain Users and/or non-users of the system.
• the presence and status information is maintained for all User and non-users engaged in the Conversations the User of the Client 12 is engaged in, all Users and non-users in the Contacts list, or Users within a predefined domain (e.g., the members of a corporation or other organization).
• a predefined domain e.g., the members of a corporation or other organization.
• the Presence/Status service 2Oi enables Users to monitor the status of other User's Intentions, Attention, and their Time Shift delay on any given Conversation (i.e., how far back they are from Reviewing the Messages of the Conversation live).
• privacy controls are provided concerning availability of Presence and Status data.
• the Presence/Status module 2Oi further controls the data that enables the system 10 to deliver Messages that match the behavior and Intentions of Users. For example, a User may indicate their Status by designating an Intention to either Review or not Review a Conversation live.
• the Presence/Status services 2Oi issues commands that cause the rendering of Messages either "live” or time-shifted, in accordance with the Intention of the User.
• the Intentions of Users are shared with the other Participants of the Conversation.
• the service 2Oi is also capable of inferring other Status values from the User's behaviors.
• the Presence and Status information is also used to optimize network traffic and bandwidth, as described in more detail below.
• the Messages/Signals services 2Oj is a module that defines a set of functions that manage the data structures and processes responsible for messaging and signaling Users of the system 10, using special messages or audible tones.
• the special messages or tones may include for example an indication if a Message or Messages are live or time-shifted, whom the Message(s) are from, Priority, and other factors.
• the Message/Signal service 2Oj further has the ability to (i) signal the presence or absence of Users on the network, as well as the ability to notify if one or more Users are no longer actively Reviewing the Messages of a Conversation; (ii) "ring" or otherwise notify another User to get their attention when they are paying attention to another Conversation or not paying attention to their Device 13 at all; (iii) leave a Message for Users currently not on the network 18 to immediately review the Message the next time the individual re-connects to the network 18; (iv) generate an audible or visible feedback that alerts the sender that a sent Message was not received by recipient(s), generate a confirmation when the Message has been received by the recipient(s), and/or a confirmation indicating when the Message has been Listened to by the recipient(s); and (v) implement a Priority scheme where individuals on a Conference or tactical call may be notified that their attention is immediately needed on the call. This indication may convey multiple levels of urgency and an acknowledgement of some kind by the
• the rendering and encoding module 21 is responsible for performing all rendering tasks for the MCMS application 20. These tasks include rendering Media appropriately for the device 13 running application 12. D.2 The Store and Stream Module
• the Store and Stream module 24 supports a number of functions and performance attributes, which are described below.
• Message transmission is essentially "full-duplex", enabling any party to send a Message at any time, even while another party is also sending a Message, or if the other party is unavailable or otherwise engaged.
• the Store and Stream module is able to render messages as in a live PSTN or VoIP call or deliver them for time shifted messaging modes. It is able to optimize transmission and control Rendering according to the desires of the User.
• the Store and Stream module 24 maintains connectivity with all target recipients (e.g., Servers 16 or other Devices 13) on the underlying network 18, manages all message, signal, and media transmissions, and optimizes the delivery speed and bandwidth usage across the network 18 to meet a User's immediate performance requirements, while managing network quality and capacity.
• the module 24 adapts and optimizes Media delivery commensurate with the quality and capacity of the underlying network 18.
• the quality of the transmitted Media streams can be degraded.
• bandwidth becomes available the quality of the transmitted Media streams may be increased.
• the Store and Stream functionality can make tradeoffs in the amount of Media transmitted in each packet based on Users' intentions to render data in real time as described below.
• the Store and Stream module 24 is optimized to deliver time-sensitive Media that is "good enough" to Render upon receipt, and the guarantee eventual delivery of exact or full copies of the Media for archival purposes through a background process of requesting retransmission of missing, low quality, or damaged packets. As long as sufficient network resources exist to meet minimum Media quality levels, this retransmission does not impede the Rendering of live call Media.
• the Clients 12 of the system 10 are thus designed to bridge the performance gap between the delivery of an exact or complete copy of the Media at the expense of substantial potential latency versus the quick delivery of Media, but with no guarantees of completeness.
• the Store and Stream module 24 further persistently stores all Media created by or otherwise originating using a Device 13 or received over the network 18 from other Device 13 and/or users. There are several significant advantages of storing this Media on the Device 13 running the Client 12: (i) it enables Users to leave a Message for another party, even when the sender and/or the recipient has either unavailable or poor network connectivity.
• the Message In the case of insufficient bandwidth, the Message will be transmitted as fast as available bandwidth can be effectively used. In the case of no connectivity, the Message is queued for transmission as soon as network connectivity becomes available, resulting in a time-shifted delivery; (ii) the User has the ability to pause, replay, fast-forward, and Catch-Up-To-Live with an ongoing Conversation, as well as retrieve and review the archived Messages of previous Conversations; and (iii) it enables the optimization of data payloads over the system 10 and improves system resilience against network bandwidth and connectivity problems that may occur from time to time.
• the Store and Stream module 24 is also responsible for: Mixing Messages as appropriate to create overlapping Messages (generated by the normal overlap of speakers in a Conversation or background noise), simulating an actual Conversation where multiple parties are speaking; rendering transcriptions or translations of audio media; adjusting the rendering of Media according to a number of User-defined criteria including playing faster, removing silence gaps between spoken words, removing hesitation particles, and frequency shifting; and the ability to apply independent gain control to individual senders in a multi-party Conversation; as well as other potential Rendering options.
• the Store and Stream module 24 manages control and informational messaging between itself and MCMS.
• the Persistent Infinite Message Buffer or PIMB 30 is a set of indexed (i.e., time- stamped and sequentially numbered) Media payload data structures and a system for their storage and retrieval.
• the data in the PIMB 30 is arbitrarily persistent, meaning it is available virtually forever or at least until the system runs out of storage.
• Various retention rates and strategies may be employed to make effective use of storage resources.
• the PEVIB 30 is also "infinite" in size, meaning the amount of data that can be stored in the PIMB 30 is not inherently limited.
• the PIMB 30 may be implemented using a small and relatively fast RAM cache memory coupled with a hard drive for persistent storage. As the physical storage capacity of the PIMB 30 is exceeded, the data is maintained on the Server 16 (as described below) for later retrieval on demand. User criteria or a replacement algorithm, such as least- recently-used, or first-in-last-out, is used to control the actual data stored in the PDVIB 30 and the data that is maintained on the Server 16 or archived at any point in time.
• the PDVIB 30 further provides the attributes of file system storage and the random access attributes of a database.
• any number of Conversations may be stored and later retrieved for Review.
• the meta data associated with the Messages of a Conversation such as its originator and its length, may be also stored in the PIMB 30.
• the indexed Media payloads and other data can be stored for a designated period of time (e.g. 30 days). Once the age of the media exceeds the designated period, the payloads and data are discarded. In another embodiment, payloads can be discarded based on the sender and/or the recipient of the Message containing the payload, or the topic of the Conversation or Messages associated with the payload. In yet other embodiments, payloads and data may be marked for transience, meaning the Messages will not be stored in the PIMB 30 beyond the requirements for immediate Rendering.
• D.2.2 The Data and Network Quality Store
• the data and network quality store (DNQS) 32 is a data store for storing information regarding Media payloads and Vox packets that are either read from or written to the PIMB 30.
• DNS network quality store
• the PIMB writer 28 writes data to the PIMB 30 for two basic purposes.
• the PIMB writer 28 writes data from a Media capturing device (e.g., a microphone or camera) on the Device 13 running the Client 12 ("Encode Receive”).
• the PEVIB writer 28 also writes data received over the network 18 from other Clients 12 into the PIMB 30 ("Net Receive”).
• the PIMB writer 28 For capturing Media from the Device 13, the PIMB writer 28 includes Encoder Receiver 28a and a Data Storer 28c.
• the hardware 34 receives the raw audio and/or video signals and provides them to the Encoder Receiver 28a, which encodes the signals into indexed media payloads (hereafter sometimes simply referred to as "payload” or “payloads”).
• the Data Store 28c stores the payloads into the PIMB 30.
• Other types of Media, such as sensor data is converted into payloads in a similar manner.
• the Net Receive function of PIMB writer 28 includes a Network Receiver 28d, a Data Bufferer 28e, a Data Storer 28f, a Data Quality Manager 28g, and a Network Quality Manager 28h.
• the Network Receiver 28d receives Vox packets over the network 18.
• the Data Bufferer 28e places the received Vox packets into their proper sequence and prevents the Rendering of the incoming Vox packets for at least the Minimum Time Shift Delay (MTSD) delay.
• MTSD Minimum Time Shift Delay
• the Data Storer 28f transforms the packets into indexed media payloads and stores the indexed media payloads in the PIMB 30.
• the Data Quality Manager (DQM) 28g notes any missing or defective packets. If packets are missing or defective, the DQM 28g schedules a request for retransmission over the network 18. The sending device replies by resending the missing or defective packets. Eventually these packets are converted into indexed media payloads and stored in the PIMB 30. By retrieving the missing or defective packets, an "exact" copy of a sender's Message is eventually stored in the PIMB 30. The retransmission of missing and/or defective packets does not delay the rendering of Messages in real time, provided that the packets that have been delivered are of "good enough" quality and quantity. Retransmission requests may be delayed by the DQM 28g if insufficient network resources are available to support both the new "live" data as well as the retransmission.
• the PEVIB reader 26 reads data from the PIMB 30 for two basic purposes.
• the PIMB reader 26 accesses the PDVIB 30 when data is to be rendered (“Render”) for the local Client 12.
• Data is also read from the PDVIB 30 when data is to be transmitted (“Transmit”) by the Client 12 over the network 18.
• the PDVIB reader 26 includes a Data Prioritizer 26a, a Data Retriever 26b, a Packet Loss Compensation/Interpolator ("PLC/Interpolator") 26c, a Data Mixer 26d and a Data Renderer 26e.
• the Prioritizer 26a prioritizes the data to be rendered by building an ordered queue of messages that could potentially be Rendered. It uses User configured Priority for the rendering of consecutive Conversations (MCMS-C).
• the Data Prioritizer uses the availability of media data to render within the limits imposed by the MTSD, the User's current Attention, and the User's defined and implied Intentions.
• the Data Retriever 26b retrieves the prioritized indexed media payloads from the PDVIB 30.
• the PLC/Interpolator 26c performs packet loss compensation and interpolation on the retrieved payloads, using known packet loss compensation and interpolation algorithms. The particular method to be used is dependent on the media Codecs in use, and other well-known parameters.
• the Mixer 26d is used to appropriately mix concurrent data streams from multiple Messages of a single Conversation together. For example, if two or more Participants of a Conversation are speaking at the same time, the Mixer 26d mixes the Messages, creating the effect of both Participants speaking at the same time. In an alternative embodiment, the User has the option of Reviewing the multiple streams from one Participant at a time.
• the Mixer 26d may simply pass the single Message stream, without performing any mixing.
• the Renderer 26e takes the data from the Mixer module 26d and converts it into a form suitable for the hardware driver 34.
• the hardware 34 then drives either the speaker or video display of the Device 13, depending on the type of Media, creating voice, video or some other audible and/or visible notifier on the Device 13.
• D.2.4.2 Transmit [0120]
• the PEVIB reader 26 includes a Data Prioritizer 26f, a Packet Quality Manager (PQM) 26g, a Data Retriever 26h, Packetizer 26i, a Transmitter 26j and an Acknowledger 26k.
• PQM Packet Quality Manager
• the Data Prioritizer 26f prioritizes the Messages for transmission over the network 18. Priority is determined using the MCMS Participant Attributes related to payloads available for transmission, network connectivity and bandwidth conditions, and the Intentions of Users beyond the next hop to either Render live or time-shifted, and, in some embodiments, possible optimizations of transmission bundling where multiple packets to any given next network hop are available.
• the prioritized packets are then optimized, using the PQM 26g, which assures the timely delivery of "good enough" data quality for live Messages, while minimizing real-time bandwidth, as described in more detail below.
• the Data Retriever 26h retrieves the appropriate payloads from the PIMB 30.
• the Packetizer 26i assembles the payloads into Vox Packets, which are then transmitted by the Transmitter module 26j over the network 18.
• an acknowledgement is sent back to Acknowledger 26k over the network 18 for notifying the sending User that a Message has arrived at its destination.
• the PQM 26g has several optimization goals: (i) the timely delivery of an adequate copy of time-sensitive Media ("as soon as possible to be good enough” for Rendering); (ii) the efficient use of available bandwidth, meaning using the optimal transmission frequency, payload quality, and packet size for the underlying network; and (iii) the ability to dynamically adjust or make changes in the transmission frequency, payload content, payload quality, packet size, etc. as network conditions change.
• NQM Network Quality Manager 28h
• the NQM is responsible for observing specific properties of network performance for each sender that has sent media to the Client 12, comparing expectations of jitter, loss, and throughput to their actual values. This is used to compute a Network Quality Rating (NQR) for every sender. This NQR is used to indicate sender availability and Conversation live-ness to the User of the receiving device.
• NQR Network Quality Rating
• the Data Quality Manager 28g measures the quality of the data being received over the network by observing packet loss, jitter, and throughput.
• the DQM 28g uses these measurements for three purposes: (i) to send receipt reports back to the sender; (ii) optionally using those receipt reports to request retransmission of certain data; and (iii) making these measurements available to the NQM 28h.
• FIG. 3 a block diagram of the application 78 that runs on the Server(s) 16.
• the application 78 is similar to the Client application 12 in many regards and includes an MCMS server application 80, an MCMS database 82, a store and stream module 84, a PIMB 85, a data and network quality store (DNQS) 86, MCMS- SAS message handling modules 87a and 87b which manage messages and signals back and forth between the MCMS server application 80 and Store and Stream module 84, an archive/retriever 88, and an archive 89.
• the application 78 further includes an authentication-encryption- security module 40 and a communication protocol module 44.
• the MCMS server application 80 is a multi-tiered architecture including a MCMS Database Module 20a, a Store and Stream (SAS) Module 20b, a Messaging/Signaling Module 20c, Conversations/Messages management services 2Of, Priority services 2Og, Contacts (including User and Authentication) services 2Oh, Presence/Status service 2Oi, and Messages/Signals services 20.
• the aforementioned modules and services of the application 78 are similar or the same as the modules and services having like reference numerals as the Client 12, and therefore are not described in detail herein, except for one notable exception.
• the MCMS server application 80 and Store and Stream module 84 is configured to support many Users in one instance of the application.
• the one instance may be further configured to support multiple domains, where each domain is defined as a group of Users (i.e., a corporation or other group of Users belonging to a common organization).
• This architecture allows each application 78 on Server 16 to serve multiple users (or domains), where each user (or domain) is not visible to other Users. This partitioning is referred to as "multi-tenancy”.
• the server Store and Steam 84 module performs the functions of Net Receive and Transmit.
• the module 84 includes a Net Receiver 28d, Data Bufferer 28e, a Data Storer 28f, a Data Quality Manager (DQM) 28g, and a Network Quality Manager 28h.
• the module 84 includes a Data Prioritizer 26f, Packet Optimizer 26g, Data Retriever 26h, Packetizer 26i, Transmitter 26j and an Acknowledger 26k.
• the aforementioned elements of the Store and Stream module 84 are similar or the same elements having like reference numerals as the Client 12, and therefore are not described in detail herein.
• the application 78 on each Server 16 potentially serves multiple tenants, meaning it serves multiple Users of the system 10.
• the PIMB 85 of the server application 78 is therefore significantly larger and is used to store the media payloads of multiple Users, as opposed to the PEVIB 30, which is used to store just the generated or received payloads of only a single User.
• the main purpose of the Store and Stream module 84 is to receive Messages transmitted by the Clients 12 and transmit Messages to other Clients 12. As Messages are received, they are stored in the PIMB 85 and transmitted to the next Server 16 (i.e., the net "hop") of the network layer 14 along the path to the intended recipient(s), or to the recipient(s) directly depending on the system configuration.
• the archive-retriever 88 is responsible for archiving the media payloads stored in the PDVIB 85 in archive 89. As the physical space in the PDVIB 85 is exhausted, media payloads in the PIMB 85 are moved to the archive 89, which is a mass storage device.
• the payloads stored in the PIMB 85 may be archived in accordance with User defined criteria and/or any known replacement algorithm, such as first- in-first-out (FIFO) or least recently used (LRU).
• FIFO first- in-first-out
• LRU least recently used
• the terms "persistent” and “infinite” used to describe the PIMB 30 and the PIMB 85 should not be construed literally as absolute terms.
• a User may wish to indefinitely store some Messages that are considered important. In other situations, such as a casual chat between two friends, the Messages may be deleted after a certain period of time to save space.
• different retention policies may be used, either set by the system 10 or configured by the User.
• the use of the word “infinite” refers to the lack of any preset time boundaries enforced by the PEVIB. This is contrasted with current jitter buffer systems, which discard media after it has been rendered.
• the terms persistent and infinite should therefore be broadly construed to mean that the PIMB 30 and PIMB 85 have no internal limitations on the time ranges and quantities of Messages that can be stored therein.
• Voice messages and other Media can be organized, indexed, searched, transcribed, translated, and Reviewed as needed.
• Voice, as well as other Media therefore becomes an asset that can be managed both by Users and organizations.
• These Media assets have value to corporations, first responders, police and fire departments, as well as the military.
• the Vox Protocol and Indexed Media Payloads [0131] As noted above, the Vox protocol is used by the Store and Stream module 24 to support all facets of payload transmission, storage, and optimization.
• the Vox packet is a structured message format designed for encapsulation inside a transport packet or transport packets of the underlying technology of the network 18. This arrangement significantly improves the flexibility of the system 10.
• the system 10 By embedding the Vox packets into existing transport packets, as opposed to defining a new transport layer for "Voxing" applications, the system 10 takes advantage of current packet based communication networks running over the existing telecommunications infrastructure. A new network infrastructure for handling the Vox packets therefore need not be created to take advantage of all the benefits of the system and method described herein.
• the format of the Vox packet 95 includes fields for type, sub-type, length, and payload.
• the different types of Vox packets include authentication, signaling, media payload, media multiplex (one message), and media multiplex (multiple messages).
• the sub-type field is used to designate different types of authentication, signaling or media type messages. Possible sub-types for authentication Messages include those necessary for key exchanges and Authentication. Possible sub-types for signaling Messages include registration, routing, message set-up, and network management. Possible sub-types for Media messages include different Codec styles and different payload aggregation techniques.
• the length field defines the overall length or size of the payload.
• the payload field contains the actual payload or media of the packet 95.
• FIG 4B a diagram illustrating a Vox packet 95 encapsulated in an exemplary protocol used by the network 18 is shown.
• the Vox packet 95 is embedded in underlying UDP, IP and Ethernet transport packets 96 respectively.
• the Vox packet 95 can be transported across underlying UDP, IP and Ethernet layers of the network 18. This is a standard protocol encapsulation technique used by packet networks.
• the Vox packet 95 includes a Media type field, a Media sub-type field, a length field, a message ID field, a time stamp field, a sequence ID field, and a Media payload field.
• the format of an indexed media payload 98 is illustrated.
• the indexed media payload includes a sub-type field, a length field, a message identifier (ID) field, a time-stamp field, a sequence identifier (ID) field, and field for the Media payload.
• ID message identifier
• ID sequence identifier
• One further unique aspect of the system 10 is that the media payloads generated by a Client 12 are stored in multiple locations. Not only are the payloads stored in the PIMB 30 of the generating Device 13, but also in the PIMB 85 of the Server(s) 16 and the PIMB 30 of the receiving Devices 13. This basic feature enables or makes possible much of the Voxing functionality described above and provides the system 10 with both resilience and operability, even when network conditions are poor or when a Participant of a Conversation is not connected to the network.
• the system 10 is intended to run or be layered over a variety of existing communication networks 18, such as the Internet, fixed PSTN type circuit networks, and mobile or cellular phone networks, or a combination thereof.
• the system 10 is designed around the concept of moving many small units of information (i.e., the Vox packets) between different Clients 12 and Servers 16 in the system 10. While Vox packets may vary in size, depending on their function and payload, they all appear to be the same kind of data to the underlying network layer.
• the system 10 has been designed and optimized for IPv4 networks such as the Internet, but other types of networks may be supported as well.
• IP should be taken to mean IPv4, IPv6 or any other current or future implementation of the Internet Protocol.
• FIG. 5 a diagram of a Client 12 running on Device 13 and communicating with a Server 16 over a shared IP network 100 is shown.
• the Client 12 is coupled to the shared IP network 100 through a first Internet service provider A and the Server 16 is coupled to the shared IP network 100 by a second Internet service provider B.
• the Vox packets 95 (designed "VP" in the figure) are encapsulated within UDP/IP packets and then interleaved among other IP protocol packets as is well known in the art and transmitted across the shared IP network 100 from the Client 12 to Server 16, or vice versa.
• each lower packet layer encapsulates the entire packet of the layer immediately above it.
• Packets can also be sent in a similar manner between two Servers 16. Messages are sent from one Client 12 enabled Device 13 to another over a shared IP network 100. At each hop, the Vox packets 95 are embedded in the underlying IP protocol and transmitted, until they reach the target destination.
• FIG. 5 The diagram of Figure 5 is merely exemplary, showing only a single Client 12 and Server 16 connected to the network 100 for the sake of illustration.
• a large number of Clients 12 and one or more Servers 16 are typically connected to the shared IP network 100. It is also useful to note that the Client 12 and Server 16 do not have exclusive use of the IP network 100.
• an HTTP client which is coupled to the network 100 through Internet provider A, can send packets back and forth with an HTTP server, coupled to the network 100 through a third Internet provider C.
• the system 10 does not control the manner in which the VPs embedded in the IP packets traverse the network 100.
• a "circuit" based network 104 such as a GSM mobile phone network is illustrated.
• the circuit network 104 is coupled between Client 12 running on Device 13 and Server 16. Once a circuit is established between the Client 12 and Server 16, the system 10 layers Vox packets (VPl, VP2, VP3, VP4, VP5, etc.) onto the underlying packets used by the network 104 and transmits them across the network 104, creating "virtual Vox" circuit.
• Vox packets VPl, VP2, VP3, VP4, VP5, etc.
• the Vox Packets sequentially traverse the circuit network 104, typically with spacing or framing data as is well known in the art for transmitting data over a circuit network.
• packet construction parameters such as the payload size and the number of header fields included may be used to exploit the lack of per-packet overhead and to increase speed and/or efficiency of data transfer across the network 104.
• packet construction parameters such as the payload size and the number of header fields included may be used to exploit the lack of per-packet overhead and to increase speed and/or efficiency of data transfer across the network 104.
• Only a single Client 12 and Server 16 are shown connected to the network 104. It should be understood, however, that additional circuits between Clients 12 and Servers 16 as well as other components may be established concurrently through the network 104.
• the network 104 is therefore not dedicated for the transmission of Vox Packets, but rather may be shared with other types of network traffic.
• FIG. 7 a diagram illustrating communication between a first Client 12A enabled Device 13A associated with a first network A and a second Client 12B enabled Device 13B associated with a second network B is illustrated.
• the networks A and B further each include gateway Servers 16A and 16B respectively.
• the Gateway Server pair 16A and 16B facilitate communication between the two networks A and B, allowing the Devices 13A and 13B to communicate with each other.
• the networks A and B could each be any type of network.
• each network A and/or B could be an IP network, a circuit type network, or a wireless or cellular network (i.e., CDMA, GSM, TDMA, etc.).
• the Servers 16 that straddle the two networks A and B are considered gateway servers because they route traffic or serve as a "gate" between the two networks.
• gateway servers because they route traffic or serve as a "gate" between the two networks.
• MTU Maximum Transmission Unit
• IPv4 IPv4 Address
• ARP Address Resolution Protocol
• the management of MTU is the determination of the Maximum Transmission Unit (i.e., the maximum size of a single message) that may be sent across a network.
• the underlying network imposes the MTU.
• the MTU may be a tunable parameter for network efficiency and performance.
• the underlying network imposes or determines the maximum size of the Vox packet 95 that may be transmitted efficiently.
• packets may be fragmented if the payload exceeds the MTU, but at a substantial performance penalty.
• IP over Ethernet networks the transmitting device has an MTU of 1518 bytes, as enforced by Ethernet. The largest IP packet must leave room for the Ethernet headers.
• the path MTU yields the maximum size of Vox packet that may be sent intact all the way to the remote node. If a sender is connected via Ethernet, the Vox packet might pass through various other systems with smaller MTUs en-route to the recipient. The smallest MTU on the path to the destination needs to be resolved and known by the sender. In the IP world, there is a standard procedure for discovering the smallest MTU called "Path MTU Discovery". For other kinds of networks, an equivalent procedure may be used. Again, since the system 10 is layered on top of other networks, any of the above MTU algorithms may be used. H. Operation Flow Diagrams
• Figures 8A through 8F a series of flow diagrams are provided to illustrate the operation of the store and stream module 24 and 84 on Clients 12 and Servers 16 respectively.
• Figure 8 A shows the sequence of operation for a first Client H 1 transmitting Messages to a second Client 12 2 .
• Figures 8B and 8C illustrate the operation of the PIMB writer 28 and PIMB Reader 28 on the transmitting Client H 1 .
• Figures 8D and 8E illustrate the operation of the PIMB Writer 28 and PIMB Reader 26 on the receiving Client 12 2 .
• Figure 1OF illustrates a flow diagram of the Store and Steam module 84 on a server 16.
• the User of Client H 1 running on a Device O 1 originates Media to be transmitted.
• the Media can be originated at the Device 13 in a number of different ways such the User creating Media by speaking into a microphone or creating video content on their Device 13.
• Media is also originated by a Device 13 by receiving sensor data, such a GPS information or a temperature reading.
• the Media is encoded by the PEVIB Writer 28 (box 130), which converts the Media into indexed media payloads and stores them in the PIMB 30 (box 132) on Client H 1 .
• the PIMB Reader 26 on the Client H 1 reads the payloads out of the PDVIB 30, creates Vox packets, and transmits the packets to the receiving Client H 2 (box 134) over the network 18.
• Each Server 16 along the path between the sending Client H 1 and the receiving Client H 2 stores the transmitted payloads in the PIMB 85 and transmits the Vox packets to the next hop (box 133).
• the net receive function of the PIMB Writer 28 converts the Vox packets into indexed media payloads (box 136) and stores the payloads into the PIMB 30 of Client H 2 (box 138).
• the rendering module of the PDVIB reader 26 on Client H 2 renders the payload information read from the PIMB 30 into a medium suitable for human consumption, such as voice or video (box 140).
• a medium suitable for human consumption such as voice or video (box 140).
• a sequence of the Encode Receive function performed by the PDVIB Writer 28 is provided in detail.
• the User of the Device 13 running the Client H 1 originates the Media to be transmitted.
• the Media may be derived by speaking into a microphone, using a camera, receiving sensor data, or by some other Media generating component.
• the Encode Receiver 28 a encodes the Media and creates the indexed media payloads (step 13O 3 ), which are then stored in the PDVIB 30 (step 132) by the Data storer 28c.
• the sequence of the Transmit function performed by the PIMB Reader 26 (step 134 of Figure 8A) on the sending client H 1 is provided in detail.
• decision loop 134 1 the transmit function of the PIMB Reader 26 continuously checks to see if indexed media payloads that are to be transmitted have been written into the PIMB 30 and are available for transmission.
• the Data Prioritizer 26f prioritizes the payloads that should be sent first, using the MCMS Participant Attributes information, as illustrated in step 134 2 .
• Information about the highest priority payloads are passed to the Packet Optimizer module 26g which runs the PQM (step 134 3 ), as described in more detail below with respect to Figures 9A-9C.
• the appropriate payloads are then retrieved from the PDVIB 30 (step 134 4 ) by the Data Retriever 26h and converted into Vox packets 95 by the Packetizer 26i (step 134s).
• the Vox packets 95 are then transmitted (step 134 6 ) by the Transmitter 26j over the network 18 to the receive Client 12 2 , which sends back receipt reports reflecting the properties (loss, jitter, throughput) of the packets that have been received. These receipt reports provide the information necessary for the PQM to calculate the MABR for a given receiver. The aforementioned process is repeated for each transmission loop as indicated by the return arrow from the transmit step to the top of the flow chart.
• the media is encoded, stored in the PIMB 30 and then transmitted over the network in a serial fashion.
• the encoded media can be stored in the PIMB 30 and transmitted over the network in parallel, meaning the two functions occur substantially at the same time.
• FIG 8D the sequence for the Net Receive function (step 136 of Figure 8A) of the PIMB Writer 28 on the receiving Client 12 2 is illustrated.
• the network receiver 28d receives the Vox packets 95 over the network 18.
• the Data Storer 28f converts the packets into indexed media payloads (step 13O 3 ), which are stored in the PDVIB 30 (step 13O 4 ).
• the Data Quality Manager (DQM) 28g is run.
• the DQM 28g checks for missing or corrupted packets, ensures the eventually storage of an exact copy of the transmitted data, and the sends receipt reports regarding the conditions of the network to the transmitter.
• DQM Data Quality Manager
• FIG 8E the sequence for the Render function of the PIMB Reader 26 (box 140 of Figure 8A) on the receive Client 12 2 is illustrated.
• the Data Prioritizer 26a prioritizes the indexed media payloads to be rendered as determined by the MCMS application 20 using the MTSD information as well as User status and presence information, including the User's Intentions and Attention status.
• the prioritized payloads are then read from the PIMB 30 (step 14O 2 ) by the Data Retriever 26b.
• the PLC/Interpolator 26c performs packet loss compensation and interpolation (step 14O 3 ) on the retrieved payloads, using known packet loss compensation and interpolation algorithms depending on which Codecs are used.
• the Mixer 26d mixes (step 14O 4 ) multiple Messages of a Conversation if two or more Participants have generated Media at the same time within the same Conversation (e.g., both are speaking at the same time).
• the Renderer 26e renders (step I4O 5 ) the data stream from the Mixer 26d, generating sound, video, or other Media (step 14O 6 ) for the recipient User.
• FIG. 8F the sequence for a Server 16 to receive Vox packets from the previous hop on the network 18, store, archive and transmit the Vox packets to the next hop is illustrated.
• the Server 16 performs the Net Receive function of the PIMB writer (similar to Fig. 8D) to store the indexed media payloads of the received data in the PIMB 85 and archive 89 or the Server 16.
• the server 16 also performs the Transmit function of the PIMB writer (similar to Fig. 8C) to forward the received packets onto the next hop on the network 18. In this manner, a copy of the media generated by the transmit Client H 1 is received, stored and transmitted at each hop along the path to the receive Client 12 2 .
• the writing of received indexed media is stored in the PEVIB 91 of the Server 16 and transmitted to the next hop in a serial fashion.
• the received indexed media payloads can be stored in the PIMB 91 and transmitted to the next hop substantially at the same time.
• the storage of Media on the PIMB 30 of both transmitting and receiving Devices 13 allows for the progressive transmission and rendering of Media.
• the Media originating on the transmitting device may be progressively transmitted over the network as it is being received.
• the encoded Media (regardless of how it is originated) may be progressively transmitted before, after, or at substantially the same time it is stored in the PDVIB 30.
• the incoming Media may also be progressively rendered as it is received over the network, provided the User has opted to Review the Media in the near real-time mode.
• the incoming Media may be progressively rendered before, after or substantially at the same time as it is stored in the PIMB 30 of the receiving Device 13. If the received Media is to be Reviewed in the time- shifted mode, then the Media is retrieved from the PIMB 30 (or possibly a PIMB 85 on a Server 16 if replaced on the local PEVIB 30) for later Review at a time designated by the User.
• the term progressive or progressively is intended to be broadly construed and generally mean the continuous processing of a data stream based on availability of the data.
• the progressive encoding, storage, packetization and transmitting of that media is continuous, so long as the Media is available.
• that Media is progressive or continuously encoded, stored, packetized and transmitted for the duration of the persons speech.
• the person pauses or stops speaking, there is no media to progressively process.
• the progressive processing of the Media resumes.
• the Media is also progressive processed as the Media is being received (i.e., available).
• the Media is received it is continuously stored. It will also be continually rendered as the Media is being received when in the near real-time mode or from storage when in the time-shifted mode.
• the progressive processing of Media does not necessarily have to be progressively processed in time-indexed order. Rather the Media is processed in the order in which it is received. If Media is received out of index order, in one embodiment, the Media is progressively processed in the order it was received and then organized into the indexed sequence in the PIMB 30. In an alternative embodiment, the received Media can be organized into its indexed sequence and then progressively rendered.
• the PQM 26g relies on a metric called the Maximum Available Bit Rate (MABR), which is a continually computed approximation of actual transmission capacity or bandwidth (i.e., a measure of the capability of the network at a given point in time) between a sending and receiving node pair. As instantaneous network conditions change, the MABR is updated. Regular measurements of network throughput, packet loss, and jitter are considered in computing the MABR. In an alternative embodiment, the MABR may also be manually set or limited based on time of day, type of network, other conditions or parameters. [0160] The PQM also considers the Intention of the recipient(s) to optimize transmission for time- sensitivity.
• MABR Maximum Available Bit Rate
• a transmission is considered time- sensitive if either (i) the Intention of the recipient(s) is to Review the transmission "live” or in the near real-time mode, or (ii) the recipient would like to immediately Review a Message that for some reason is not currently stored on their Device 13 (e.g., the Message was previously stored in the archive 89).
• the Intention of the recipient can be either inferred by the behavior of the recipient or the recipient may set or otherwise designate their Intention.
• a transmission is considered to be not time- sensitive if the Intention of the recipient is to Review the Message in the time-shifted mode.
• the Intention of the recipient to Review the transmission in either the live or time- shifted mode at least partially defines the "timeliness requirements" of the transmission.
• factors such as the urgency or priority of transmissions may also be considered in defining the timeliness requirement of the transmission.
• the nodes in the network path between a sender and a receiving pair also need to be consistent regarding the status of intentions of the recipients. If one target recipient indicates timeliness, meaning they wish to Review the transmission immediately or live, then all the intermediate nodes on the network along the sender- receiver path need to have the same timeliness requirement, regardless of the requirements of other recipients.
• the timeliness requirement of each of the intermediate nodes is therefore dependent on the receiving nodes the transmission is being sent to. This dependency is sometimes referred to as a "union of requirements" for target nodes in the network transmission path.
• the PQM further considers an Ideal Bit Rate or "IBR" for each scheduled Message payload transmission.
• IBR Ideal Bit Rate
• the IBR is computed based on the packetization rate needed for substantially real time or live communication (referred to herein as the Real Time Bit Rate or RTBR).
• RTBR Real Time Bit Rate
• voice for example, a packetization rate of a packet every 20 milliseconds containing 20 milliseconds of audio data is considered an acceptable IBR for conducting live conversations.
• the RTBR for such a system in kilobits per second would be the size of 1 second of audio payload data plus the size of all network headers that would be generated for the transmission.
• the RTBR will likely be substantially higher than simply voice.
• the RTBR will likely be lower than that of voice.
• the IBR is set to a Maximum Efficiency Bit Rate (MEBR) to optimize the usage or efficiency of transmissions over the network.
• MEBR Maximum Efficiency Bit Rate
• the MEBR is calculated by adjusting the packetization rate to its largest possible value for the underlying network. If multiple messages or payloads are to be sent between a sending and receiving pair, then an Aggregate IBR (AIBR) is considered for the transmission.
• AIBR Aggregate IBR
• the PQM operates by sending data in a series of transmission loops for each sending and receiving pair.
• the transmission loops for each sending and receiving pair are independent. Any transmission on the network may affect the MABR of other sending-receiving pairs. Accordingly, the MABR is preferably continually computed for all recipients.
• FIGS 9A through 9C flow charts illustrating the sequence of operation of the PQM for a single sending and receiving pair is illustrated.
• Figure 9A the steps in determining the MABR between the single sending and receiving pair are illustrated.
• Figure 9B a flow chart illustrating the steps for calculating the AIBR for each transmission loop for the single sending and receiving pair are illustrated.
• Figure 9C a sequence for determining the amount of data to transmit between the sending and receiving pair per loop is illustrated. The processes illustrated in the three diagrams run simultaneously and interact with one another, as described in more detail below.
• FIG 9A a flow chart 50 for calculating the MABR for the network interface between the sending and receiving pair is shown.
• the network interface between the sending and receiving pair is monitored.
• the sender periodically receives reports, which contain information regarding the status of the network connection at the receiver in step 5O 2 .
• the reports include information regarding the current status of data throughput 5O 3 , packet loss 5O 4 , and jitter 5O 5 as observed by the receiver at the network interface.
• the MABR is calculated at the sender based on these observations contained in the reports. By monitoring or observing the data in these reports, the MABR value is continually adjusted based on current network capabilities or conditions between the sending and receiving pair. As network capabilities become more favorable for data transmission, the MABR will increase. If the network capabilities become less favorable for transmission, the MABR will decrease, potentially all the way to zero for an unusable network.
• the reports are similar to the packet loss reports generated by nodes in TCP networks, but additionally include throughput and jitter information as well.
• an MABR is calculated for each interface for which a receipt report is received. If no traffic has been recently sent on the network, or no receipt reports have been received, the MABR may not reflect current network conditions. However, since receipt reports are generated continually by receivers while data is transmitted, the sender's MABR metrics will quickly converge to a more accurate value.
• a flow chart 52 illustrating the steps for calculating the AIBR for a transmission loop is illustrated.
• the Messages with Media by which we mean portions of the time indexed media that belongs to this Message
• a list of Messages with Media is then built 52 2 .
• the time- sensitivity or timeliness requirement of each Message is considered 52 4 . If a particular Message is not time- sensitive, then the IBR is set to the Maximum Efficiency Bit Rate (MEBR) 52s.
• MEBR Maximum Efficiency Bit Rate
• the IBR is set to the Real Time Bit Rate (RTBR) 52 6 .
• RTBR Real Time Bit Rate
• AIBR Aggregate Ideal Bit Rate
• FIG. 9C a flow chart 54 illustrating the sequence for determining the rate of data to transmit between the sending and receiving pair per transmission loop is illustrated.
• the MABR (as calculated in Figure 9A) is compared to the AIBR (as determined in Figure 9B) for the next transmission.
• the MABR is greater than or equal to the AIBR, then all the Messages identified as ready for transmission in the loop are packetized at the IBR rate 54 2 and transmitted 54 3 .
• the MABR is less than the AIBR, then a series of procedures are applied to so that the PQM meets its goals of the timely delivery of an adequate copy of the data, the efficient use of available bandwidth, and/or adjustments to the payload content and quality, packet size, and transmission rate to meet current network conditions.
• the Messages in the list are reviewed for time sensitivity 54 4 . If there are no time sensitive Messages, then the bit rate is reduced to the MABR 54s, and the Messages are transmitted 54 3 . [0172] If the list includes time-sensitive Messages, the bit rate allocated for the non time- sensitive Messages is reduced 54 6 until it meets the MABR limits. If reducing the bit rate all the way to zero is insufficient to meet the MABR, then these non time- sensitive Messages are removed from the list of Messages to be transmitted in the loop. If the bit rate has been reduced so that it is less than or equal to the MABR, then the remaining Messages are Packetized and transmitted 54 3 .
• the packetization interval of the time-sensitive Messages is increased 54 8 .
• the header-to-payload ratio is increased, which lowers the overall bit rate but introduces latency (i.e., a delay in the delivery of the transmission to the recipient).
• the transmission 54 3 occurs.
• the bit rate may be progressively lowered 54g to be within the MABR limit. When the bit rate is lowered in this manner, time-sensitive messages are sent at a rate that is not sufficient to maintain a live conversation. Therefore, the Conversation is forced out of "live”. If the network is down or conditions are very poor, it is possible that no data transmission may occur. Again, the aforementioned sequence is repeated for each transmission loop 54-io between the sending and receiving pair.
• the sequence described in relation to Figure 9C is performed for each interface for which receipt reports are available.
• the sender may contain logic to distribute the transmission load among the multiple interfaces.
• the payloads can be sent only on one interface, while in other embodiments, some or all of the interfaces may be used.
• the aforementioned description pertains to any sending and receiving pair in the system 10. In most situations, the sending and receiving pair will include a Client 12, enabled Device 13 and Server 16, two Servers 16, a Server 16 and Client 12 enabled Device 13, or even possibly two Clients 12 respectively. If a sending node is transmitting to two (or more) receiving nodes at the same time, the above mentioned sequence as described in relation to Figures 9A-9C occurs concurrently for each receiving-sending pair.
• the DQM 28g determines if data received at the Client 12 is either corrupted or if there are missing packets. In addition, the DQM 28g of a receiving Client 12 generates of the receipt reports, which are sent back to the transmitting node on the network. The DQM 28g also runs a background process to ensure that an exact copy of transmitted data is eventually received and stored. These functions are described below in Figures 9D through 9F respectively. [0179] Referring to Figure 9D, a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the DQM 28g for checking for missing and/or corrupted data is illustrated. In the initial step 56 1; the DQM 28g checks for corrupted packets using well-known techniques, such as CRC or similar integrity checking mechanisms.
• the DQM 28g next ascertains if any packets are missing 56 3 . If an out of sequence packet is not received after a predetermined period of time, it is assumed to be missing. The DQM 28g notes any missing or corrupted packets 56 4 in the DNQS 32. On the other hand if no corrupted or missing packets are detected, the DQM 28g determines if the quality of the received data was intentionally degraded by the sender 56 5 for the purpose of saving bandwidth. The degraded quality is noted in the DNQS 32 56 6 .
• receipt information e.g., a packet sequence number, time stamp, and the network address of the next node in the network the packet is to be sent
• receipt information e.g., a packet sequence number, time stamp, and the network address of the next node in the network the packet is to be sent
• the recipient informs the sender to set the retransmission priority (as defined below) to low 58 4 . If time- sensitive, then the amount of packet loss is considered 58 5 . If the amount of packet loss is outside a usable quality range, the retransmission priority is set to high 58 6 . As noted above, if the amount of packet loss is too large, the recipient may not be enabled to Review the Media upon receipt. If the quality is within an acceptable range, meaning the quality of the transmission is sufficient that it can be understood when rendered, then the priority for the sending of the receipt report is set to low 58 4 .
• a receipt report is sent 58 7 , the DNQS 32 is updated 58 ⁇ and the Network Quality Manager (NQM) 28h is updated 58 9 .
• the retransmission requests defined in step 58 4 is therefore conditional based on time-sensitivity.
• the transmission request defined in step 58 6 is conditional on both time- sensitivity and quality.
• the retransmission priority informs the PQM 26g of the sender to properly prioritize the transmission rate for the Media that requires retransmission. For example when the retransmission priority is set to high, then the sending PQM 26g of the sender should send any retransmissions before any new Media. If the priority is low, the PQM 26g should send the retransmitted Media after any new Media. [0184] The aforementioned process is continuously repeated so that receipt reports are generated as Media is received. If the sender does not receive receipt reports in a timely manner, the PQM 26g of the sender will reduce the transmission rate, eventually stopping the transmission if no receipt reports are received.
• FIG. 9F a flow diagram illustrating the sequence for requesting of missing or degraded Media is illustrated.
• the DNQS 32 is periodically scanned for missing or degraded Media 6O 2 . If there is no missing or degraded Media, then the above defined scan is periodically repeated.
• Media is considered missing if an out of sequence packet does not arrive after a predetermined threshold period of time 6O 3 . If the packet arrives before the threshold, then it is no longer considered missing. On the other hand if the packet does not arrive after the threshold is exceed, then it is deemed missing. With missing packets, a low priority request for retransmission is made 6O 4 and the time of the request is noted 6O 5 in the DNQS 32. This process is repeated until the missing packet is received. When the missing packet arrives and the corresponding Media is available in the PEVIB 30, the missing status of the Media is removed from the DNQS 32. The retransmission request defined in step 6O 4 is therefore conditional based on whether the Media is determined to be missing.
• the DQM 32 determines if the Media is part of a live Conversation 6O 6 . If not, a request for a full quality copy of the degraded Media is made 6O 7 , the full quality Media is designated as missing 60s and the request time is noted 6O 9 , in the DNQS 32. If the Media is part of a live Conversation, then no action is immediately taken in order to preserve network bandwidth. When the Conversation transitions out of the live mode, then the steps 6O 7 through 6O 9 are performed to ensure that a full quality (i.e. an exact or perfect) copy of the degraded Media is eventually received.
• the degraded status of the associated Media is removed from the DQNS 32.
• the transmission request defined in step 6O 7 is conditional on whether the Media is both degraded and not part of a live conversation.
• the Device 13 includes a graphical user interface display 110, data entry buttons, keys, or keyboard 112, a microphone 114, and a transducer 116 for converting electrical signals into sound, such as a speaker.
• the display 110 may also accept input as a touch screen. Further, the display 110 and keyboard 112 may be combined using a touch screen interface.
• the Device 13 may be a variety of different communication tools, such as a desktop computer, laptop or other mobile computers, personal digital assistants, a programmable land-line or cellular phone, or programmable radios, or just about any other type of programmable communication device.
• the exemplary Device 13 illustrated in the figure is intended to be "generic", in the sense that it is supposed to represent or encompass all of the communication devices listed above.
• the term "graphical" user interface should not be construed as limiting.
• Other types of user interfaces which can be implemented on a Device 13 as well including Audio/DTMF interfaces, Voice User Interfaces (VUI), radio switch interfaces, or a combination thereof, can all be used to implement the various functions described below.
• VUI Voice User Interfaces
• radio switch interfaces or a combination thereof
• the user interface preferably includes one or more of the following status indicators or flags: (i) battery indicator; (ii) connectivity indicator; (iii) clock; (iv) transmitter status; (v) transmission sync status; (vi) Reviewing status; (vii) Priority Messages needing attention; and (viii) missed Messages.
• the user interface preferably includes the following functions, flags and components to conduct and manage a single Conversation: (i) name of a Conversation and/or list of Participants; (ii) Conversation status; (iii) Conversation type; (iv) Conversation duration; (v) time behind the Head of the Conversation; (vi) outstanding Messages; (vii) presence/status of Participants; (viii) meta data with navigation; (iix) Conversation attributes or designators; (ix) Conversation set-up including title, scheduling, Participants, Conversation summary; and (v) indicators showing which Participants have contributed Messages and which have Listened to or Reviewed messages.
• the user interface also preferably includes, in addition to those listed immediately above, the following functions, flags and components to conduct and manage multiple Conversations: (i) a name/identifier for each Conversation; (ii) live/active or standing/inactive indicator; (iii) Review position, either at Head or Time shifted; (iv) Priority and other attributes; and (v) indicators of what portions of Conversations were missed.
• the user interface also preferably includes, a number of navigation features, such as: (i) DVR style fast back/forward per conversation; (ii) instant messaging style personal message navigation; (iii) Conversation Time indicators; (iv) time scale shifting (i.e. zooming backward and forward through a Message or the Messages of a Conversation); (v) changing Priority of Conversations; (vi) hanging up; and (vii) home.
• a number of navigation features such as: (i) DVR style fast back/forward per conversation; (ii) instant messaging style personal message navigation; (iii) Conversation Time indicators; (iv) time scale shifting (i.e. zooming backward and forward through a Message or the Messages of a Conversation); (v) changing Priority of Conversations; (vi) hanging up; and (vii) home.
• the aforementioned functions and features may be implemented in a variety of ways, for example using a touch-screen graphical user interface 110, or other input devices, such as the data entry buttons, keys, or keyboard 112, a mouse, by voice- activated commands, or a combination thereof.
• a touch-screen graphical user interface 110 or other input devices, such as the data entry buttons, keys, or keyboard 112, a mouse, by voice- activated commands, or a combination thereof.
• voice- activated commands or a combination thereof.
• the MCMS application 20 supports a number of different types of Conversations, such as a near real time or "live" calls where the delay from when a Participant speaks and the other Participant(s) hear the first Participant is very small, Conversations where Participants exchange voice Messages back and forth with a longer delay between Messages, "live" conference calls involving multiple Users, standing Conference calls at a regularly scheduled times, or configurable structured call types such as a simultaneous briefing, where Participants each leave a Message briefing beforehand for others to Review to before everyone joins the live conference call. Yet another unique attribute of the MCMS application 20 is the ability for Users to transition between the different types of Conversations.
• the Participants can seamlessly transition from a voice-messaging mode to a live call and back again.
• the Participants of a live conference call can transition to a voice- messaging mode and send updates or action items to each other after the conference call.
• the system 10 is extremely flexible and provides numerous options to transition between different types of calls or Conversations and between multiple conversations. By varying the delay between Messages, the Participants effectively flows between the type of Conversation that best suits their needs. The above examples should therefore not be construed as limiting.
• Conversations consist of Messages maintained in their original context and sequence.
• a sent Message either belongs to an existing Conversation or begins a new Conversation.
• a typical Conversation includes a set of Messages that are organized around a defined subject matter, topic, time, Group or Channel.
• Conversations may involve a common Group of people such as the members of a club, a company may have a standing Conversation at a fixed time, such as a weekly sales meeting, or friends may have ad-hoc Conversations on various topics, such as making dinner plans.
• Each Conversation is defined by a set of attributes, including a name, a list of Participants, begin and end time, and state including at least pending, active, or terminated. Other Conversation states are possible in other embodiments.
• a User interacts with the MCMS application 20 on their Devices 13.
• the interface allows a User to organize Conversations by any of the various attributes.
• attributes include, but are not limited to, Priority, Status (states of participation in a Conversation).
• the values of Participant status include active, participation in more than one Conversation at a time, Reviewing a Conversation in a time-shifted mode, Catching Up To Live, passively participating (i.e., not actively Reviewing, but receiving high Priority Messages), standby, or ignoring a Conversation (i.e., declined to participate or record the Conversation).
• a User may select or define the relative priority of Messages. For example, Messages from a person's boss would typically be given a higher Priority than a social acquaintance.
• a recipient has the ability to set their own Priorities.
• the User selects a subset of their Conversations to be rendered consecutively. The User then sets ordered Priorities for these Conversations.
• the system uses the priorities set by the user to order the Messages to be rendered.
• the aforementioned algorithm queues the Messages to be rendered using User Priorities and information concerning Message data available (beyond MTSD).
• the recipient may have no or limited ability to set Priorities.
• a fire fighter may have no ability to lower the Priority of Messages from the fire chief.
• a sending-User has the ability to send urgent or highly important Messages.
• Tagging a Message as urgent or an emergency the Message is rendered as soon as possible at the recipient(s), overriding any Priority settings of the recipient. Any conflicts among multiple emergency messages are resolved based on a predetermined priority scheme.
• FIG. HA an organizational diagram 1100 grouping the major functions of the MCMS application 20 is illustrated.
• the major functions include account management 1102, conversation management 1104, aggregate conversation list management 1106, conversation participation 1108, call controls 1110, and contact management 1112.
• account management 1102 After registering and logging into the system 10, the User may navigate through the user interface of their Device 13 implementing the various management functions, described in detail below. In some embodiments, this functionality will provide a great deal of flexibility. In other embodiments, such as tactical or communication radios, the implementation of the user interface may be constrained with many of the user functionality and options preconfigured to meet the utility of the device.
• the discussion here is exemplary and is not intended to be an exhaustive explanation of the MCMS functionality, but rather is intended to provide just an overview of some of the MCMS attributes.
• a registered User may change certain settings and preferences.
• a User may change their email address, password, name, phone number, phone password, call-in number, default and/or User defined rendering speeds, Tags, gain or volume levels for Reviewing Messages, Catch Up to Live mode, etc.
• the MCMS application 20 responds by writing the updated preferences into the MCMS database 22.
• K.2 Conversation Management As illustrated in Figure HB, conversation management 1104 is a set of functions that allow a User to view their aggregate Conversation lists, create a new Conversation, update the details of a Conversation, delete a Conversation, and close a Conversation. Each of these functions are described below.
• Conversations 1104a For each Conversation, the MCMS application 20 may provide the User the one or more of the following attributes: the name of the Conversation, the actual start time, the last activity, Tags, duration, and the list of Participants. For each Participant, the name and/or phone number, status (live, other call, in past, catch-up-mode, offline-reachable, offline-unavailable.) [0206] Create a Conversation 1104b - A User creates a Conversation through the interface 110 by inputting a Conversation name, a list of Contacts, and an optional scheduled start time. If no start time is designated, it is assumed the start time is immediate.
• the MCMS application 20 creates a new Conversation in the database 22, associating records for each Participant on the Contacts list.
• the MCMS application 20 also creates in the database 22 Participant records for each User on the Contact list, allowing the caller to receive the presence information of the others on the Contact list. If the Conversation is scheduled, the MCMS application 20 starts the Conversation at the designated time. Otherwise, the Conversation starts right away.
• Update Conversation Details 1104c The User may make changes to a Conversation through the user interface 110. For example, Participants may be added or removed. Any change in status of the participants is updated in the MCMS database 22.
• Close a Conversation 1104e - A User may elect to terminate or close a Conversation. In one embodiment, only the User that creates a Conversation can elect to terminate that Conversation.
• the aggregate conversation list management 1106 is a set of functions that allow a User to engage in multiple Conversations (i.e., the User's aggregate conversation list).
• the aggregate conversation list management functions allow a User, through the interface 110 on their device, to participate in one Conversation "live", while participating in other Conversations in a time-shifted mode.
• the Messages of the current Conversation may be rendered in either the "live” or time-shifted modes.
• the User may switch the current conversation among the aggregate conversation list from time-to-time.
• conversation participation 1108 is a set of functions that allow a User to start a Conversation, receive a notification to join a Conversation, obtain Conversation status information, and hang up on a Conversation.
• Start a Conversation 1108a After a Conversation has been created, either by the User through the interface 110 or the scheduler in the MCMS application, the status of each Participant is checked. If a Participant is offline, then an effort is made to contact that person.
• Conversation Status 1108c - A user may request the status of a Conversation through the interface 110 of their Device 13.
• the MCMS application 20 assembles the status information stored in the database 22 and presents the information to the User.
• the MCMS application 20 updates the User's participant status for active Conversations in the database 22 and directs the Store and Stream module 24 to remove the User from the Conversation.
• conversation control 1110 is a set of functions that allow a User to control their participation in a Conversation. These functions allow a User to catch-up-to live, skip to the Head, jump to a past location, pause, play faster and play slower when Reviewing the Messages of a Conversation. Each of these functions is triggered by the User through the interface 110 on the Device 13. [0219] Catch-up-to-live 1110a - A User may Catch Up To Live in an ongoing Conversation using the "CTL" function.
• the MCMS application 20 checks the last point in the Conversation the User has reviewed and directs the Store and Stream module 24 to render the Messages not previously heard, using a faster than normal rendering option designated by the User, and to seamlessly transition to live mode when it reaches the head.
• Jump to Head 1110c This function enables a User to jump to the Head of a Conversation, skipping over any intervening Messages between the current point of the User in the Conversation and the Head.
• the MCMS application 20 instructs the Store and Stream module to immediately render the Messages at the Head of the Conversation. (If the Head of the Conversation is currently live this is called Jump to Live (JTL).
• Jump to past 111Od - This function enables a User to jump back to a previous Message or point in the Conversation, similar to a rewind or replay function.
• the MCMS application 20 instructs the Store and Stream module 24 to render Media starting from the rewind point.
• Pause 111Oe - This function enables the User to pause the Reviewing of the Messages of a Conversation. In response, the Store and Stream module 24 stops the rendering of Messages until another command is issued.
• Play faster 111Of - This function enables a User to render Messages more quickly.
• the Store and Stream module 24 renders the Messages at a faster rate than normal.
• the rendering rate may be either specified by the User or the User may select from a number of preset options.
• Play slower 111Og - This function enables a User to render Messages more slowly.
• the Store and Stream module 24 renders the Messages at a slower rate than normal.
• the rendering rate may be either specified by the User or the User may select from a number of preset options.
• the system 10 provides the User with a host of functions for managing Contact lists and user Groups. These functions include the adding, editing, deleting Contacts and user Groups. Each of these functions are implemented by a User though the interface of their Device 13. Any revisions or deletions in a User's Contact list or Group list is stored in the MCMS database 22.
• Add a Contact 1112a - This function enables a User to add a new Contact to their contact list.
• the new Contact can be either a registered User or an external contact.
• the name, phone number(s), type of number (cell, office, home, computer, etc.), email address and other personal information are provided for each contact record.
• Edit a Contact 1112b This function enables a User to edit or update an existing contact record.
• Delete a Contact 1112c This function enables a User to remove or delete an existing contact record.
• Search for a Contact 1112d - This function enables a User to search for a specific Contact in their contact list.
• the search may be conducted using a number of criteria, such as name, phone number, most recently called, most frequently called, Group, etc.
• Get a Participant list 1112e - This function enables a User to search and retrieve a list of Participants of a Conversation by a number of different search criteria, including for example by name, most recent outgoing calls, most recent incoming calls, most frequently called, etc.
• Authorize a caller to review status 1112f This function enables a first User to authorize other Users to view the first User's status. Non-authorized Users may not view the status of the first User.
• Create a Group of Contacts 1112g - This function enables a User to associate a number of Contacts into a Group. When a User defines a Group, the list of Contacts in that Group are stored in the MCMS database 22.
• L. MCMS Operation L.I MCMS-C L.I MCMS-C
• the MCMS-C operation is similar to MCMS, with the added feature of enabling Users to manage and participate in multiple conversations consecutively through a hierarchical system of Priorities and the time-shifting of Messages, which are automatically managed by the system.
• Implementing the MCMS- C functionality includes three basic processes. As illustrated in Figure 12A, the first process involves defining a set of Conversations for consecutive rendering. Once the list is defined, a hierarchical set of Priorities and other factors are applied to the indexed media payloads associated with the set of Conversations. The indexed media payloads are then sequenced into a sequencing order.
• the Messages of the set of Conversations are consecutively rendered.
• the User's aggregate list of Conversations is defined.
• Either the User or pre-configuration data is next used to select the Conversations among the aggregate list for consecutive rendering (step 1206).
• typically pre-configuration data is used to impose the Conversations to be consecutively rendered.
• the User is typically given a higher degree of flexibility to select the Conversations for consecutive rendering.
• a flow chart illustrating the steps for defining hierarchical set of priorities for rendering the Messages of consecutive Conversations is illustrated.
• a set of priority rules are defined and applied to the list of Conversations to be rendered consecutively (1206).
• the set of priority rules may range from a rigid, hierarchical communication protocol to a highly flexible communication protocol.
• the set of priority rules will preferably impose a specific order in which concurrent Messages are rendered. For example with a first-responder tactical system, Messages from a fire chief may be given the highest priority. The next level of priority may be given to fire fighters inside a burning building.
• priority may be given to fire fighters outside the building, etc.
• a rigid priority By defining a rigid priority, the current Messages of those supervising the efforts to fight the fire, or those in harms way, are rendered ahead of those performing a less critical role.
• a sales executive may for example define a priority scheme listing consecutive Conversations with clients from the most important to the least important. Or a User may prioritize consecutive Messages among family and friends. Regardless of the scheme used, a priority list for consecutive Conversations is defined (step 1210) in this process.
• FIG. 12C a flow diagram illustrating the construction of a queue of Messages received from the various consecutive Conversations is illustrated.
• the availability of non-rendered indexed media payloads of Messages i.e., media streams
• the priority hierarchy is applied to the available indexed media payload streams (step 1214).
• the available indexed media payloads are arranged into a sequence order (step 1216).
• the indexed media payloads are then continuously rendered in the sequence order (step 1218).
• the sequencing order is based either partly or fully on the priority hierarchy.
• other parameters in addition to the hierarchy and availability may be considered as well.
• the sequence order may be defined using one or more parameters such as the switching costs associated with interrupting a currently rendered stream of indexed media payloads with the indexed media payloads of a higher priority Conversation, the quality of the available streams of indexed media payloads, the relative time the indexed media payloads were received, a shuffling order, or from input of a controller of the system.
• the indexed media payloads first in sequence order are rendered while the rendering of other available indexed media payloads are paused or delayed. When there no conflicts, indexed media payloads are immediately rendered as they become available.
• the Messages of the consecutively rendered Conversations may be optionally reviewed in a time-shifted mode. If the User of the first communication device generated any Media associated with the consecutively rendered Conversations, that media is indexed and stored in the PIMB 30 of the Device as well as the PIMB(s) 85 of the Servers 16 on the network. Thus when a Conversation is reviewed in the time shifted mode, the User has the option of reviewing just the incoming Messages associated with the Conversation, or both the incoming Messages as well as the Media created by the first User associated with the Conversation in time index order. L.2 MCMS-S Operation
• a User of a Client 12 enabled Device 13 may define a set of Conversations for simultaneous rendering. Once the set of Conversations is defined, the indexed media payload streams associated with the set of Conversations are simultaneously rendered on the Device 13, regardless if they overlap or not. In alternative embodiments, the User may optionally render the received indexed media payloads from the set of media streams separately. The indexed media payloads of the simultaneous Conversations may also be optionally rendered in near real-time or in the time-shifted mode.
• FIG. 13A through 13D a series of diagrams illustrating the attributes of a Conversation and the operation of MCMS, MCMS-C and MSMS-S is illustrated.
• Figure 13 A a time diagram illustrating the sequence of rendering the indexed media payloads of the Messages of a Conversation labeled "A" between a User "X" and two other users, designated "Y" and "Z".
• Media is generated by user Y during the time intervals designated by tl, t5, 56, t7 and t9.
• Media is generated by user Z during the time intervals designated t3, t6 and t9 through tlO.
• FIG. 13A The diagram of Figure 13A is useful in illustrating the attributes of Conversations.
• one user is generating Media (either Y or Z)
• that Media is received at the Device 13 of X and is available for rendering.
• both users X and Y are generating Media
• both Media streams are received at Device 13 of X and is available for Mixing.
• neither user X or Y is generating Media
• no Media is received at Device 13 of X.
• User X has the option of Reviewing the Media generated during Conversation A in either the near real-time or time- shifted modes.
• the User X has the option of Reviewing the Media in the Mixed format as illustrated, or to separately Reviewing the Media from Y and Z in the time- shifted mode.
• FIG. 13B illustrates the operation of MCMS.
• the User is Participating in three Conversations, designated A, B and C.
• the User For Conversations A, B, and C, the User either generates or receives Messages designated (Al, A2, A3, and A4), (Bl, B2 and B3) and (Cland C2) respectively.
• the timing and duration of each Message is indicated by the starting point along the time-line. It is useful to note that in this example, all of the Messages overlap in time to some degree, except Message B2.
• the User selects one Conversation as current.
• the User may Review incoming Messages and generate Messages which are transmitted to the other Participants of the Conversation.
• the User selects in order Conversation B, C and A as current respectively.
• the Message sequence is therefore initially Bl, B2, and B3, followed by Cl and C2, and then finally Al through A4.
• the User may transition between the near real-time and the time- shifted modes and back again.
• the final rendering as illustrated in the diagram is not intended to correspond in timing of the received Messages as illustrated in the top portion of the diagram.
• FIG. 13B a diagram illustrating the operation of MCMS-C is illustrated.
• the User is Participating in two consecutive Conversations, A and B.
• Conversation A three Messages are received Al, A2, and A3.
• Conversation B three Messages are received Bl, B2 and B3. It is useful to note that with this example, Message Bl conflicts with Messages Al. Also Conversation A has a higher priority that Conversation B.
• FIG. 13D a diagram illustrating MCMS-S is illustrated.
• a User is engaged in three simultaneous Conversations, A, B and C.
• the Messages Al, A2 and A3, Bl, B2 and B3, and Cl and C2 are received for each Conversation A, B and C are shown in the diagram respectively.
• the incoming Messages are rendered at a recipients Device 13 as they are received.
• the rendering sequence of the Messages of the three Conversations A, B and C, as illustrated in the lower portion of the diagram are therefore the same as when the Messages were received. In this manner, multiple Conversations may be simultaneously rendered.
• the Conversations are defined by a threaded sequence or organization of Messages.
• the Messages are segmented from a stream of Media, with each Message given a sequence identifier and indexed by the time the Media was created.
• Messages can be rendered in accordance with one or more rendering options.
• the rendering options include, in one form or another, the filtering, grouping overlapping and/or serialization of Messages, using anywhere from zero to a plurality of different attributes.
• each of the variations of MCMS may handle the receipt of interrupt Messages in the same way.
• an interrupt Message When an interrupt Message is received, it typically takes precedent over and is rendered before other Messages belonging to other Conversations.
• FIG. 14A a block diagram 140 illustrating the hardware of a Device 13 used for storing and executing the Client application 12 is shown.
• the hardware includes a CPU 142, main memory 144 and mass storage 146.
• the Client application 12 is loaded and stored in main memoryl44 and mass storage 146 and executed by the CPU 142.
• FIG. 14B a block diagram 150 illustrating the hardware of a Server 16 used for storing and executing the server application 78 is shown.
• the hardware includes a CPU 152, main memory 154, mass storage 156, and the archive 89.
• the server application 78 is loaded and stored in main memory 154 and mass storage 156 and executed by the CPU 152.
• indexed media payloads of one or more Users are stored in the archive 89.

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